Forever Union: 109th Annual Delegates Meeting

VERONA — During our recent 109th Annual Delegates Meeting, nearly 1,000 CSEA officers and activists from across the state sharpened their union skills and knowledge to become better, stronger, more effective union representatives on behalf of our members.

During the five-day meeting, our members got expert training from CSEA, AFSCME and other professionals on issues such as collective bargaining, legal issues, building communication skills, leadership and political action.

Meeting highlights included addresses by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and AFSCME International President Lee Saunders; member engagement visits to members throughout Oneida, Onondaga and Madison counties as part of a training on reaching out to our members and honors for members for their service in making our union stronger.

Photos by Wendi Bowie and Nicholas Newcomb.

: From left, Central New York DDSO Local 3rd Vice President Matthew Spellicy, 2nd Vice President Kelly Roach, 9th Vice President Christine Nodecker and 1st Vice President Barry Richards head out to visit with members as part of our member engagement program.

: Former CSEA President Danny Donohue addresses the meeting.

: CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan poses with AFSCME International President Lee Saunders before the general session. Sullivan also serves as an AFSCME International Vice President.

: State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli addresses the meeting.

: CSEA Veterans Committee members lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

: CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan enjoys a workshop.

: From left, Motor Vehicle Local President Cynthia Stiles, SUNY Buffalo Local Treasurer Mona Columbo, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett and Capital Region President Ron Briggs pose before the general session.

: CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Bob Riley, right, discusses member engagement targets with Delaware County Local President Sharon Radtke left, and Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf, center.

: AFSCME International Secretary- Treasurer Elissa McBride and Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte greet one another before the general session. LaMorte serves as an AFSCME International Vice President.

: Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor Local Treasurer Yaniris Taveras is enthusiastic at the general session.

: CSEA Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley makes a point at a workshop.

: Orange County Local delegate Bob Markel tells why he plans to Stay Union, Stay Strong.

: From left, Ontario County Local 1st Vice President Joe Osterhout, Western Region President Bob Pyjas and Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center Local President Eric Hall head out to meet with members.

: Central New York DDSO Local 4th Vice President Dustin Young highlights the importance of reaching out to our members.

: Hudson Valley DDSO Local delegate Carl Lezin and local Executive Vice President Gerald Fabre grab locally grown apples offered by the Central Region’s welcome table.

: SUNY Oneonta Local Recording Secretary Erin Cavanagh and local Treasurer Kathy Hewlett enjoy a laugh.

: CSEA PEOPLE Coordinator Denise Felt, left, discusses the value of our PEOPLE program with SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn (Downstate) Local Treasurer Vernice Laldee and local Recording Secretary Jonathan “Chico” Brown.

: Hornell State Employees Local President Chris Kerrick, left, makes a point as local 1st Vice President Marcella James listens.

: From left, Brooklyn Developmental Center Local President Faye Wilkie-Fields and Capital District Psychiatric Center Local President Dwayne Parsons pose for a photo between workshops.

: AFSCME International President Lee Saunders addresses the meeting.

: Central New York DDSO Local delegates Theresa Young, left, and Cathrin Treonze look through their member engagement materials as they prepare to visit members.